Fun day lives up to its name

THOUSANDS turned out to The Circle on Saturday to enjoy the summer sunshine at the Pinehurst Fun Day.

It was the 11th year that the event had been held, and at least 2,000 residents, organisers, and visitors flocked to enjoy the music and entertainment on offer between 1.30pm and 5.30pm.

Each year the Pinehurst Fun Day is funded by an Awards For All grant from the Big Lottery Fund, a grassroots grant from Swindon Council and through fundraising, in order to keep the end cost down for residents.

Michelle John, Community Worker for the Pinehurst Initiative Forum – a community group run by volunteers who organise the annual event – said that each year the Fun Day attracts more and more people.

She said: “Every year it’s got bigger and better. It’s gone really, really well. It’s something that brings the whole community together. Most things are free and, if they cost anything, we try to keep the cost to a minimum so that everyone can come along without wondering whether they can afford it or not. We really try and strip it right back.

“For everything everyone says about Pinehurst, you won’t find a stronger community spirit than here. Everyone just pulls together to enjoy themselves.”

As well as a barbecue and drinks tent, there were numerous stalls including arts and crafts, face painting and stands from organisations and charities from around the town, including Empower, a charity which supports projects in the Gambia, the Credit Union and Bios, which brought along their mobile youth club van equipped with iPads, Xboxes and other gaming equipment. There were also performances and demonstrations throughout the day from a variety of groups, including Street Elite and the Brittannia Majorettes.

Children also enjoyed taking part in the street games, the gladiator ring and the penalty shoot-out and the Boom Box as well as the bouncy castle and all the other activities.

Michelle said: “There have also been workshops on cup-cake making, loom band making and other things, which everyone has enjoyed.”

The day was finished off with a live set from local artist, Tony M, from 5.30pm to 6pm.

Carolyn Lynch, from Upper Stratton, was at the event with her family. The 44-year-old said: “I’ve been coming to the fun day for the past few years. It’s a great day out and it’s fun for the children too. It’s just nice to spend the afternoon here.

“I think the children most enjoyed the razzmatazz. It’s just got a bit of everything. I really think the weather helped as well.”